Jake Davis Blog

The Signature Look Giveaway: Filson Mackinaw Cruiser

We have a lot to be thankful for around these parts so I thought it would be cool to give away a classic piece from one of my signature looks. The Filson Mackinaw Cruiser in red and black buffalo plaid is one of my all time favorites. Everything about the 1914 Cruiser is timeless.

Here's how this will work. In the comments section write what timeless style means to you. It could be a word, a quote, an anecdote. Whatever inspires you. As many times as you like. This will run for a week. 

Follow me on Twitter @JakeDavisFilms and I'll post my daily favorites from all of you. At the end of the week my fashion guru will choose a favorite and I'll send you the size 40 Filson Mackinaw Cruiser. A gift from me to you. Please use an active e-mail address so I can contact you. For more details on the coat click here.

Not only does this piece look amazing but it will protect you from the elements...

José González - Storm

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Basics: Deodorant

Last time we got together for this basics thing I soon realized I am not alone out there in my obsessions and idiosyncrasies. It's comforting to know there are other people that think and act exactly like my crazy ass does. Which brings us to the most basic of necessities...

The last couple of months I was in L.A. and ran out of my go to deodorant, D R Harris & Co. Arlington Stick Deodorant. The stockists in L.A. were full of shit when I asked if they had it. "We'll have it in two weeks." A fortnight later and still no deodorant. This went on for a month and I wasn't smelling any better.

Arlington will always be my number one starter. But it's very hard to find, a bit on the expensive side, and the stick itself doesn't last that long. 

I soon realized I need to have a backup quarterback if we're going to make it through an entire season of away games. Something a little more accessible, probably not as good, affordable under the salary cap, and will get the job done in the fourth quarter. So I want to hear what you all use and why. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...

The Story: Clarks Lugger

    

There's something so fantastic about coming home from a trip and having gifts waiting for you. Now this has never been a place to show off dope shit. And in this case there's a much more interesting story here. When I moved back to Manhattan in the late nineties I was obsessed with Japanese street culture. There was something bohemian about it that I related to. Their stee and reverence for classic clothing was exciting. I had never seen anything like it. 

I would notice a lot of Japanese youth in Soho wearing these Clarks Luggers. But I couldn't find them anywhere. So back in March of this year I was randomly daydreaming about them. You know how shit you haven't thought about in ages pops into your head at random? These are emotional manifestations. It was much more me feeling nostalgic about the kid I was back then, and the way New York made me feel, than a pair of shoes.

Cut to me coming home to New York again and I feel this new excitement... like a kid. It feels familiar but different. And I have a pair of those elusive and beautiful Clarks Luggers waiting for me. Thank you Urban Outfitters for getting it right, noticing, and sending the gift. Thank you New York for your constant inspiration. Thank you to this life for constant reassurance there is no such thing as coincidences. I live in the twilight zone and I'm cool with that...

Inspiration: Homecoming

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He says he's jealous of the moon, because you look at it. He's jealous of the sun, because it warms you. He says, "I feel you, even when I'm not feeling you. I talk to you when I'm not talking to you. I love you, even when I'm not loving you."... you know I love you...

 

 

I MISS THE GOD

 

   

 

“Welcome to New York, now go the fuck home.” - Johnny Cash

Kings Of Leon - Manhattan

Classic: N-3B Snorkel Parka

In the Winter the routine was simple but disciplined. My father would pick me up two hours earlier than the rest of the kids from school. I'd throw my school bag into the back of the SUV and swap it out for my tennis bag. Racquets, workout gear, a couple books, and a snack. We use to carb load in those days so most of the time it was a bagel. He'd give me a nod. I'd nod back. I've never been much of a talker. Always felt more comfortable listening to his wisdom, staring off into the snowfall, and thinking about the words.

On match days to calm my nerves I would visualize the court, my opponent, my strengths, his weaknesses. The match was already played in my head before even reaching the tennis club, which was one and a half hours away one way. On these trips sometimes tennis was the furthest thing from my mind. I was merely going through the motions. I would just stare at the sage green of my father's coat, an N-3B Snorkel Parka.

I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. Sometimes I'd put it on at home when he wasn't looking. I think most kids do that. Play the omnipotent role of their father.

The soundtrack to those long drives was always Paul Simon. Man, I use to love putting those cassettes into the player at random and seeing what song would come on. I still get chills when I hear the music, those long drives through the upstate snowfall, the cold of day turning to night, the green of the courts and the protection of my sage in that classic parka.

Paul Simon - The Obvious Child

The Rounds: Shawl Collar Grandpa Cardigan

 

Boxer Gene Tunney had 'em falling to the floor in his shawl collar grandpa cardigan

   

 

  

(clockwise) Drakes of London, Nom de Guerre, J.Crew, WTAPS, Orvis, R by 45rpm

There are so many beautiful shawl collar grandpa cardigan options this season. I'm not allowed to buy anymore because... well... they take up a lot of space and I have more than there are days in the week. But fuck it one more isn't going to hurt anyone, right? Some details I love are elbow patches, leather buttons, raglan shoulders, and a throat loop closure.

A definite staple in any gentlemen's closet if you plan on having the girls fall... But remember the hardest love has the coldest end. At least you'll have your cardigan to keep warm...

The Big Pink - Dominos

The Look: Texas Tuxedo

 

Serge Gainsbourg photographed wearing the French version of a "texas tuxedo"

I had never heard the term texas tuxedo before my boy Nick mentioned it a couple weeks ago when referring to my stee and repeated journeys to Mister Freedom. But I immediately laughed and understood completely what he was talking about. So I asked my fashion guru if she'd heard of this term. "Of course," with a schadenfreude giggle. "Check this out!" I almost died. Obviously it's a dangerous look like so many fashion statements that can go drastically wrong.

However, I take my notes from the Frenchman, Mr. Gainsbourg, who had incredibly clean style no matter how dirty his actions were.

The only piece to the puzzle I'm slightly hesitant about are the Repettos. I've always been a white tennis shoe kinda guy, but I have to admit they look damn good on the man himself. I'm even feeling the slight fray on the hem that says, "cut 'em this morning myself, what." A glass of ice water seals the deal for me.

Serge Gainsbourg - Ballade de Melody Nelson

Dungaree Eastern Shirt | R by 45rpm

Barracuda Denim | Prps

Histoire de Melody Nelson | Serge Gainsbourg

Zizi Homme | Repetto

Bells & Whistles: Jake Davis

It's time to take another moment for the people and really thank all of you who come through on the daily, weekly, monthly, whatevs to check out what's going on in my tortured head. With that said the time has come to make some tweaks and improvements in my groundstrokes. 

1. Upon heavy advisement to sign up and my subsequent prolonged, cringing hesitation I've finally joined twitter. Maybe it's just the fuckin' name that sounds so cot damn corny to me. I don't know... I'm a director that happens to have a blog. But reality is reality. This is the culture we live in for better or worse. And no one wants to be left in the dust. Plus I did my research and if Quentin, Mos, Lagerfeld and Gladwell can tweet than fuck it. Fashionably late but I've arrived... So please follow me for the life and times... I promise inspiration in new and exciting ways...

Jake Davis Twitter link

2. I've been a huge fan of hypebeast since the beginning. When Eugene initially hit me to be down I was in pre-production on that Drake "Successful" video and wanted to participate but sometimes shit is so hectic that you can't possibly do everything you want. We finally connected. You'll get a little more personal insight into my life over there where I plan on exploiting all my friends in high and important places...

Hypebeast x Jake Davis link

3. Updated banner, new youtube link, new favorites... There are so many exciting projects about to jump off that I can't wait to share with you. So now we have a few different ways to connect. And if you get tired of me. Well, that's the beauty of the culture we live in. Just click away without saying goodbye... It's much easier that way...

Jack Peñate - Tonight's Today

Inspiration: Unisex Style Part Four

  
Occasionally in these parts I like to let women take a journey into the male psyche. Just as classic on a guy as a girl is the navy blue blazer. Double breasted, single breasted, chalk-stripe, pinstripe, double vent, single vent, add a Supreme lapel pin... It all works. Just make sure it's shrunken like a school boy.

I'm not going to tell you how to put the whole kit together but I'm really feeling some cuffed heather grey sweatpants, a white v-neck, and mocs. White denim and a pair of Tricker's ain't bad either. Remember the kit is about fit and command that shit. We'll respect you for it. I've heard of ladies buying boy's size school blazers to get that 3/4 sleeve action, but what do I know... Maybe just thank me later when it's elevator eyes all day...

Julian Casablancas - Out of the Blue

Heavy Rotation: The XX

First kiss. First love. First break-up. There's something about firsts that stay with us the longest. This album feels like a first. It sounds like a late night conversation between two people in love that don't know how to say it. Filled with uncomfortable silences, awkward glances, and neither person wanting to show their hand. You know the feeling. The rush underneath your fingertips you so desperately want to get out. The lingering of emotions. The honesty and maybe dishonesty of it all. I think we're all looking for a bit of acceptance, a bit of attention, and ultimately a bit of love.

The self-titled debut from The xx of south west London provide the soundtrack and have a beautiful way of playing what's not there. The unspoken truth... 

"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called.” 

Neither do I... But I know what it sounds like...

The xx - Stars

The xx - Fantasy

The xx - Hot Like Fire (Aaliyah Cover)

The xx myspace link

The Official: Rosa Acosta x Supreme Video

Sometimes shit leaks and spreads like wildfire before you can put it out. Someone even remixed a reggaeton version ahead of schedule. Muthafuckas are thirsty. What can I say? But it was important to me for you all to have the official Rosa Acosta x Supreme video we made. Terry and Angelo are crazy for this one. I've heard of a fuck 'em dress. But a fuck 'em rug?...

I showed Angelo how to operate the gun. Loaded the chamber and sent him on his merry way into the lion's den. He came back to the Bleecker Street Lab with the goods to say the least. How we do... By the way this might be NSFW depending on where and who you work for. Viewer discretion is advised. For the epic full screen craze check the Supreme link below...

Supreme link

Inspiration: Play With Fire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

“We all live in a house on fire, no fire department to call; no way out, just the upstairs window to look out of while the fire burns the house down with us trapped, locked in it.” - Tennessee Williams

The Rolling Stones - Play With Fire